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What that means is that I spent hours on a Commodore 64 typing lines of "if-then" code
that resulted in my name flashing on a screen. Unfortunately,
my coding life ended short when I discovered more girls like
guys who played sports than guys who spent hours in front of a
computer.

I regret not staying up on the basics of coding over the years,
especially
now as an entrepreneur. For starters, the lack of coding
knowledge makes simple tasks involving website changes, graphic
design and product development infinitely harder and, since you
have to hire someone, more expensive. Also, being unable to speak
the language of technology with investors, partnersand potential
hires can prove to be a hindrance.

I am certain I sound like an idiot trying to talk about Ruby
thisor Python that.

For this reason, I have started taking lessons online, thanks to
good friends at Startup.SC who have turned me on to a few
sites for beginners. For those inclined to take the
self-taught approach and learn a little coding, below are a
few resources I have utilized and found very useful.

1. Code Academy: A free service,
Code Academy offers a number of online lessons for varying
degrees of expertise as well as a useful set of resources. The
lessons are simple to follow and easy to understand.

5. GeneralAssemb.lyoffers a variety
of coding courses at its campuses across the globe.
Additionally, its free online platform, Dash, teaches HTML,
CSS and Javascript through fun projects on a simple interface
that is accessible from your web browser.

6. GirlDevelopIt.com:An
international nonprofit that provides mentorship and
instruction, committed to making sure women of all ages,
races, education levels, incomeand upbringing can build
confidence in their skill set to develop web and mobile
applications.

7. GirlsWhoCode.com: Geared
specifically toward 13- to 17-year-old girls, the site pairs
instruction and mentorship to “educate, inspire and equip”
students to pursue their engineering and tech dreams.

8. Udacity.com: Stanford
University’s Udacity is one of many sites that make college
courses -- including Introduction to Computer Science --
available online for free.

9. Local technical colleges: Check with your
local technical college about courses offered online. Given the
increased demand over the years, you will find a number of
courses available that are flexibility and affordable.

I am a firm believer that all entrepreneurs, especially the
young, should understand the language of computer coding. I also
feel strongly that learning should start in elementary school,
where children are at least exposed to the concept of coding and
grow up comfortable and emboldened by thatunderstanding. Much
like reading and writing, coding has become a skill that will
soon beas important as language.

For the rest of us, it is not too late. The resources above make
it incredibly easy to learn, and doing it in the privacy of your
home removes any unassuming pressure you may have. In the end,
you will find that you can teach anold dog new tricks.

Hopefully, I can teach this old dog how to make his name flash on
a screen again.

Do you know other resources available for those who want to
learn to code? Please share with others in the comments section
below.